Besides, the right of _entrepot_
is a perfect substitute for the right of free port. The latter is a
little less troublesome only, to the merchants and captains. I should
think, therefore, that a thing so useless to us and prejudicial to them
might be relinquished by us, on the common principles of friendship.
I know the merchants of these ports will make a clamor, because the
franchise covers their contraband with all the world. Has Monsieur
de Moustier said any thing to you on this subject? It has never been
mentioned to me. If not mentioned in either way, it is rather an
indecent proceeding, considering that this right of free port is founded
in treaty. I shall ask of M. de Montmorin, on the first occasion,
whether he has communicated this to you through his minister; and if he
has not, I will endeavor to notice the infraction to him in such manner,
as neither to reclaim nor abandon the right of free port, but leave our
government free to do either.
The gazettes of France and Leyden, as usual, will accompany this. I am
in hourly expectation of receiving from you my leave of absence, and
keep my affairs so arranged, that I can leave Paris within eight days
after receiving the permission.
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